From left, Second District Assemblyman Jim Nielsen honors Kenneth Tyler as one of the 2011 Veterans of the Year. Nielsen will speak at the Republican Party of Lake County's annual fundraiser on Saturday, October 8, 2011, in Upper Lake, Calif.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The Republican Party of Lake County's annual fundraiser at The Lodge at Blue Lakes will take place on Saturday, Oct. 8.

The fun takes place at the Lodge at Blue Lakes, 1535 W. Highway 20, Upper Lake, with cocktails at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m.

This year the group will host Second District Assemblyman Jim Nielsen as the event's guest speaker. Nielsen will speak beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Dancing to the Southern Comfort Band will follow at 8 p.m.

Nielsen graduated with a bachelor of science in agribusiness in 1967 from Fresno State College.

From 1974-1975 he also participated in the Agricultural Leadership Fellowship, a two-year leadership training program comprised of agriculturalists selected from throughout California. He was the first fellow elected to the California State Legislature in 1978.

Assemblyman Nielsen was the recipient of multiple certifications and enrolled in continuing education courses relative to agricultural management and consulting.

He lives in Gerber with his wife, Marilyn, who is currently serving as interim director of the California Arts Council. They have two daughters, three sons and three grandchildren.

Advance tickets cost $50 per person; a table of eight costs $350.

To purchase tickets call Sherrye, 707-987-9997; Jackie, 707-279-4062 or 707-490-8278; or Penny Lunt, 707-998-1386.